QSR Media Asia Conference & Awards 2026

subject to change...

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM    Networking Registration

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM    Welcoming Remarks

9:05 AM - 9:25 AM    Scaling Beyond Australia: El Jannah’s Expansion Blueprint

El Jannah, which recently secured growth investment from global growth equity firm General Atlantic, is an Australian charcoal chicken QSR chain positioned as a scale challenger to the big fried-chicken brands, with around 50 outlets and annual sales nearing $300m. Its unusually deep vertical integration, sourcing about 70% of ingredients through its own operations, gives it tighter cost control, fresher daily menus and the confidence to accelerate a nationwide rollout of new and drive-thru stores.

In this session, El Jannah will unpack the blueprint behind that growth: how the brand systemised its operations, adapted formats and menus for new catchments, and used data, technology and partnerships to scale without losing its soul. The discussion will also explore its next chapter — ambitious international expansion beyond Australia, including opportunities in the Middle East and wider Asia, and what it will take to localise a much-loved Australian brand for new markets.

• Representative, El Jannah

9:25 AM - 9:40 AM    QSR Trends and Outlook for SE Asia

Gain valuable insights into the economic forces impacting the QSR industry in SE Asia, from consumer spending shifts to geopolitical change. Tim Hill, Key Accounts Director, South East Asia, GlobalData Plc will break down key trends and future projections to help businesses navigate an evolving market.

• Tim Hill, Key Accounts Director, South East Asia, GlobalData Plc

9:40 AM - 9:55 AM    Speaking Session

9:55 AM - 10:25 AM    Leaders Panel

This high-impact conversation brings together key decision makers from the top QSR brands in Asia. The panel discussion will explore the forces reshaping the category—evolving guests, technology’s next wave, growth formats, and organisational excellence—and surface leadership perspectives on where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead.

The panel features Michael Bruce, Director of Asia Pacific, Wendy’s, representing the global burger chain known for its fresh, never-frozen beef and growing APAC ambitions; Yuto Tago, Global CEO, Hot Palette Holdings Co., Ltd, the company behind Pepper Lunch and its rapidly expanding experiential fast-casual dining concepts; and Paola Nicolas, Vice President, APAC, Inspire Brands, the group that owns Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, Arby’s and other major franchise powerhouses. More to come...

Panelists:

• Michael Bruce, Director of Asia Pacific, Wendy's
• Yuto Tago, Global CEO, Hot Palette Holdings Co., Ltd
• Paola Nicolas, Vice President, APAC, Inspire Brands

10:25 AM - 11:10 AM    MORNING BREAK

11:10 AM - 11:30 AM    QSR Speaker

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM    Kerry Speaking Session

• Representative, Kerry

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM    QSR and Money Panel 

What really gets a QSR brand funded today? The QSR & Money panel goes beyond the headlines, bringing investors and capital leaders together to reveal how they evaluate brands, opportunities, and risk. From emerging concepts to established players, learn what’s driving deal activity and where the smart money is heading next.

The panel features Amit Manocha, Group CFO, Everstone Group, a private equity firm whose Everstone Capital arm has backed major quick-service restaurant players including the master franchisee of Burger King in India and Indonesia; and Shaurya Ahuja, EY-Parthenon Partner, Consumer Products & Retail, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, bringing strategic advisory in consumer and retail transformation. More to come...

Panelists:

• Amit Manocha, Group CFO, Everstone Group
• Shaurya Ahuja, EY-Parthenon Partner, Consumer Products & Retail, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM    LUNCH BREAK

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM    AWARDS PROGRAMME

1:45 PM - 2:05 PM    QSR Speaking Session

2:05 PM - 2:20 PM    Speaking Session

2:20 PM - 2:50 PM    Panel Session

• Walther Buenavista, CEO, Shawarma Shack

2:50 PM - 3:10 PM    AFTERNOON BREAK

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM    Speaking Session

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM    Brand Collaboration Panel

Panelists:

Discover how QSR brands are redefining partnerships to drive relevance, reach, and revenue. The Brand Collaboration Panel brings together marketers and brand leaders to unpack what makes a collaboration commercially effective—from selecting the right partners to executing campaigns that resonate with modern diners. Expect real-world insights into how strategic tie-ups can boost brand equity, unlock new audiences, and create momentum in an increasingly competitive market.

Featuring Kody Wong, Deputy General Manager, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juices — one of the world’s most recognisable bubble tea brands, known for its global footprint, innovative beverages, and strong Gen Z following. More to come...

• Kody Wong, Deputy General Manager, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juices

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM    Cocktail Party